@5d71550a10bb07de12bc19f74c7ff6fa00b7ec40f85aa3af6403acea778b5ef9 [Posted on DevHub](https://near.social/#/devgovgigs.near/widget/Post?id=1735) ## Idea: NEAR Campus <> BUI Blockchain **Proposal for NEAR Campus Program [bublockchain.xyz](https://) Overview** boston university blockchain. **our mission:** we are an inclusive, multifaceted community dedicated to equal education in the web3 space. We aim to foster creativity, build a diverse network, and shape a decentralized future together. Through research, development, and building companies - BU Blockchain aims to act as a springboard for all students to unleash their potential in the field. **our vision:** we see a decentralized future for all that allows for equal opportunity to create and innovate on any chain, regardless of a person's field of experience, gender identity, race, or origin. We plan to aid all members in their intellectual pursuits in the Web3 field - while simultaneously connecting them to opportunities both near and far, that stimulate their personal growth and development through speaker events, workshops, hackathons, and our women in blockchain (WiBlock) initiative. **our collaboration:** we pride ourselves on collaboration and diplomacy with other university organizations, which has opened many doors for us in terms of working across the aisle and our reputation as a well-respected organization. in the four past hackathons we have attended, our members have taken home first place overall at each competition, winning a combined USD 28,000 overall, and we hope to continue building our knowledge-hungry team with the help of NEAR. **our mantra** unifying chains, celebrating voices. **Where we fit with NEAR Campus** * Plan to contribute to and highlight the importance of participating in open-source projects and value a collaborative, welcoming culture of curious builders. * Provide a connection between NEAR and Boston University. * Be an active participant in NEAR by focusing on NEAR Campus through speaker series, fireside chats, and hackathons, be it in-person or virtual. * Encourage diversity and inclusion in the web3 space by supporting our WiBlock initiative and bringing female, underrepresented builders to NEAR. **What we can promise to NEAR as our sponsor** * Speaking opportunities at club events and acknowledgment at our club events. * Logo placement on event materials. * Keynote and panel participation. * Social media shout-outs for sponsorship and premier logo visibility on club materials * Access to a blockchain-focused student talent pool and our hackathon team, with a 100% 1st place win rate at the four competitions attended since inception. * Customized networking with club members, faculty, and experts. * Exclusive flagship event sponsorship and specialized, NEAR-focused blockchain workshops at club events. * Customized thought leadership content with club members. **Our plan** * Create a NEAR Node at Boston University that provides comprehensive mentorship, IRL/online workshops for Rust and NEAR, fireside chats and recruitment events within the overall ecosystem, host other workshops meant to enhance member success and knowledge of protocol, encourage and incentivize participation in the NEAR Ecosystem as an active contributor. **Monitoring Reception to Initiatives and our Key Indicators of Success** * Monthly reports: Create a detailed data analysis of the reception of workshops and emphasize attendance and potential innovation incubated as a result of NEAR Campus initiatives. * Open line of communication with the NEAR team to evaluate the success of initiatives and meetings by analyzing member surveys and feedback given by members and work to consistently improve our initiatives with the help of all members of Boston University Blockchain. * Keeping an eye on innovation: The success of our members equates to the success of initiatives, and any NEAR-related bounties or press as a result of our members will be looked at to ensure our consistency with creating the best environment for our members to thrive. * Acting as a springboard: Our strategic partnership will serve as a foundation for continued growth and support if they take their ideas to the next level. * Recruitment: Through our partnership, we also plan to increase recruitment efforts and aim to double, if not triple, our current member base of 80 and market our organization as a firm supporter of innovation and creativity in the field - as well as onboard those in the web2 space to web3, helping them unlock their full potential. Our numbers here are at the low end of our estimates; however, we aim to record-break our numbers constantly. **Our 1 month plan** *To begin ASAP* *Total Requested: USD 1050* **ASAP (Oct-Nov 2023): Establish a NEAR Node at Boston University + Introductory Education** *Estimated Cost: USD 1050* * Create materials for members to reference regarding the NEAR Network in an easy-to-digest fashion. * Update the website with materials and create a specific NEAR Campus resource page for our members. (USD 100 for site building and hosting to support new content more consistently). * Merchandise for builders that encourages BU Blockchain team spirit and lists NEAR as a sponsor. This would be in the form of windbreakers and available to members who show the most support for initiatives and are active contributors to the community. They would be available at USD 25 to members, whereas the wholesale price is about USD 50. Through this, word-of-mouth talk about the NEAR campus will begin to increase, doubling as a unification strategy and a word-of-mouth recruitment strategy. (USD 350 for ten windbreakers with the NEAR logo prominently on the back). * Establish a connection with those involved in NEAR Campus and its network to finalize contact points for aid with events. * Create a schedule for Spring 2024 and the end of the Fall 2023 semester, and lock in essential dates/events/workshops. * Plan a small introductory workshop for members, with food and refreshments provided. (60 members estimated attendance and a USD 300 budget on small snacks). * Bring awareness to new NEAR initiatives, the benefits of an open-source network, and the benefits of contributing to it. * Hold another workshop that's blockchain 101 style to aid our members in onboarding onto the NEAR Ecosystem, as well as establishing a new support network for our members and curious builders. (USD 350 total, with USD 250 for food and refreshments and 100 towards providing small prizes as an incentive for completing onboarding steps. This will incentivize participation, recruitment, outreach, and morale when building on a new platform). **Conclusion** In conclusion, Boston University Blockchain's proposal for the NEAR Campus Program offers a visionary strategy for fostering a decentralized and inclusive future in the web3 space. Our equal commitment to collaboration, diversity, and equal opportunity aligns perfectly with NEAR's values and mission. By establishing a NEAR Node at Boston University and implementing a detailed plan, BU Blockchain intends to create educational and networking opportunities for its members and bridge the gap between NEAR and the university as a whole. Our dedication to encouraging participation in open-source projects, promoting diversity through initiatives like WiBlock, and consistently monitoring the success of endeavors showcases our firm commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive environment. With a detailed 8-month plan, BU Blockchain seeks to deliver tangible results, and in our promise to NEAR as a sponsor, we include speaking opportunities and customized networking. This demonstrates our seriousness and dedication to a long, fruitful partnership. By supporting BU Blockchain, NEAR can empower a new generation of builders and innovators, ensuring that NEAR's ecosystem continues to thrive. This partnership will be mutually beneficial, propelling us toward a bright and decentralized future. We want to establish a fruitful partnership that will cultivate builders' interests in web3 and work to bridge the knowledge gap commonly present in onboarding those from a web2 field into the world of possibility that is web3, NEAR, and the BOS. We are open to feedback and reception from the community on any of the points above.